Famously dubbed the ‘Harrods of the north’, the world-renowned Jenners department store has attracted generations of Edinburgh shoppers from all walks of life – whether they could afford its luxurious wares or not.
With the city still reeling from the announcement that Jenners is to end its 183-year residence on Princes Street in May, we’ve had a rummage through the archives to bring you 17 key dates in the history of Edinburgh’s most beloved shop.
A message from the Editor:
Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.
If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription at https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/subscriptions.
1. 1838: Jenners department store opens
Opened in 1838, the original Jenners store occupied the same corner of Princes Street and S St David Street.
Photo: Edinburgh Museums
2. 1892: Fire destroys original Jenners
The original Georgian Jenners buildings burned down in a terrible fire in 1892.
Photo: © RCAHMS
3. 1861: Charles Kennington retires
Charles Kennington retires and his name later dropped from the business. Charles Jenner assumes full control.
Photo: TSPL
4. 1893: Death of Charles Jenner
Founder Charles Jenner des in October of 1893, and never gets to see the rebuilt store, which opened in March 1895.
Photo: Other